You know where I’m going with this. It’s about a week before the Midterm Election, Black conservatives sucking up to 45, literally. Obama tried to tell you. And oh, you still have those Halloween Blackfaces on? It’s time to take it off! But then again, I am scratching my head though while many are getting spooked!

So the so-called rise of the Black Conservatives has finally found 45 to like him. Oh, wait a minute, haven’t they sold their souls yet? You can believe what you want, but if you want to side with a man that has hate on Puerto Rico, building the wall, withdrawing peacekeeping sides with the world, calling the African Nations S-hole countries, hating on the Veterans, and still assuming that he built the economy to be strong than crediting Obama, then go ahead, BUT you will be checked!

How is the Streetcar coming along, Milwaukee? You got one week left to ride it.

Is this midterm election is the last election for Scott Walker in Wisconsin?

For those whom “are so Woke”, are you really voting on November 6th? Or just waiting to go early vote? Or just to busy being falsely conscious? Your move.

For all those who have on Blackface and acting like idiots, do you read the history on why it degrades blacks?!

Has Megyn Kelly really learned her lesson about her racial past? After being booted from NBC?

Speaking of Blackfaces, remember this haunting reminder from Facebook and it was from a BLACK WOMAN, like 2 years ago?

Why is Trick-Or-Treating is on the last Sunday in October in Milwaukee?

Oh, I see that many don’t like Alex Hornibrook’s current performance for the Badgers. They are wanting to see someone else QB’ing in Madison. Well, for you arm-chair folks, it was just announced that Alex had a concussion and had to go through the protocol and was not listed on the injury list. Is it really Jack Coan’s time?

How about the Brewers though? Even though it’s not World Series bound.

Oh, hold up, wait a minute: The Bucks are playing good Basketball though! What about it?

Speaking of the World Series: Hey Dodgers, tell me how does that “L” feel? The Boston Red Sox exposed you for whom you really are. And oh, did Manny Machado stuck out last?

Wisconsin: I’ve heard Michael Moore talked about Precinct Delegates on the first day of that 45 Inauguration. Does the State have precinct delegates in all in order to get citizens to vote?

I know that the Christmas Decorations is coming up real fast. And yes Thanksgiving is next on the Autumn Harvest Menu. BUT…..Halloween should reclaim its time. AGREE?

This needs to be asked over and over again when trick or treating happens, what is the deal of NOT doing it in YOUR OWN NEIGHBORHOODS?! And also, why doesn’t Milwaukee have Trick or Treating AT NIGHT?!

Is Michael Jackson’s Thriller the only “Halloween Themed” Song ever? Just asking.

For you the Anti-Tech crowd: Yeah you! If you’re so Anti-Tech, why some of you have emails?! I’m just asking!

On the last Wisconsin Midterm Referendum, which is on the ballot for November 6th; Will many of the pot smoking marijuana fans actually vote for it to be enacted? Well, what about it?!

For the “Anti-Jesus” crowd, since when did Jesus become the bad guy? Yeah, I’m asking that question!

Does every family, group or outing program have a Dark Horse Mentality?

Who is a real Dark Horse? Like really?

ATTENTION ALL Christians and other so-so religious and not very religious, if you hate Halloween so much, you do realize it means “Holy Evening”, right? Do your homework! Not that commercialized version. You know what it is! And the proper word is “All Hallows Eve.” The eve of Saints who have passed on. Go back to class!CALLOUT: I know I’ve asked this before: why are there not any Black Authors that are Introverts that do not have books out that deal with us black folks that are introverted? I feel that this idea needs to come forward in helping us! We can read the other books on introversion, but what about black introversion concerning us black people? Start writing and researching!

Since when the Black Republicans like the word: Brexit? Really?! Yeah for you just now getting on the Kanye West Bandwagon.

On the side tip, the one dude that was mailing pipebombs to the opposition of 45 is a piece of work. Oh, what was his reason again? Just a dang COWARD!

Now I know that the Jewish Synagogue in Pittsburgh was the latest target of the shooting that killed 11 people with one of the 11 being around 97 years old. SERIOUSLY! What is happening here?! Don’t tell me that this not new! And for you non-religious folks talking smack on religion in all, this is not the time! Keep your mouth shut! We never knew them, their likes, interests in all. Shut your traps.

Is the “Blue Wave” effect still in effect and will be in effect ON November 6th?

Can Introverts be Dark Horses? Asking for a friend….nah just asking in general.

For this, I need to ask: Who in the hell is Candace Owens?!

Last week in Milwaukee on a Friday afternoon: Barack Obama showed up and showed out for the Democratic Party and did not disappoint. Was Barack’s appearance enough to get the folks OUT TO VOTE?!

Should the WWE Network App show live broadcasts of Monday Night Raw, Smackdown Live and NXT?

And the LAST question before Halloween strikes; Matter of fact it already struck. Will this election be a haunting lesson of not voting, or should have been voting?

Before you read my commentary: watch this footage from Roland Martin Unfiltered.

Did you understand all of this? What does it remind you of? Think about all those times when your so-called friends, co-Workers, and others looked at your gear had to make comments like, why you got on this, or what’s up with those shoes. If anyone is like 45 and under and part of an era where that talk was going on you know what I’m talking about. I can relate to the commentary of this from Roland Martin’s new show, and yes you can view it anytime online you want. Unlike cable and/or Satellite you have to pay for it. But this was so related because many of us can go though the jones just because they got this and they the same ones looking fly are making fun of you because you don’t have it. From Elementary School to High School even guys like me had to succumb to getting from Pro Wings to Nikes in a matter of years.

I’m saying this because one it’s the truth. And two, many of us in the community, especially in the Black Community have this problem of what folks do and don’t have and it’s almost a picking contest. I really need to ask, what was and is the point in all of this?! What’s the point? Is it trying to fit in, or being in a clique, or just to make a impression on a girl/guy? What is the real problem?! Most of my teen life and childhood I couldn’t hang with it and got sucked in. But now as an adult I really need to ask this now, what is or was the point? Yeah I’m 41 years old and most of my clothes shopping isn’t like the 90’s anymore. The game has changed. But despite of the game being changed up, it seems that I thought that particular part should have stayed in high school. But, I was so wrong. Even grown folks can be foolish at times (no matter the age) that getting all materialistic will win a popularity contest, but it won’t!

And the point of the matter is, this is why part of this generation is messed up in the head. It’s not the younger folks fault. Blame the grown ups! That is what it’s about. It’s the fault of the grown folks because they’ve seen this kind of blueprint and the kids just modeled after it. If anyone had to recall, the parents whom had to work hard to provide either living or deccased, we the grown folks nation of now Generation X didn’t listen then, but after seeing all this, we have to begin to understand.

For all the idiots preaching this to the kids now, congrats: you’ve played yourselves. All those times folks were saying, why those cars, why that headphones, why this, why that. Many of us working folks DO NOT have the time nor the patience to see who got what. So he has a nice motorcycle with the jet engine frame. GOD BLESS HIM! She has the new Nike pumps for the date night. God Bless Her! So what! I’m not trying to compete with them! The only person I’m competing is the reflection on the mirror everyday. Me.

That is your real competition. Everyday when you wake up and ask, what’s next?

And for all those doing this bickering, you don’t pay no rent, or bills in that person’s house! You don’t know their story, but why do you still trip about their livelihood?

Well it’s about that time to go to the dance floor of the first three way of 2018. And you know what time it is. For those who are just reading this for the first time I do a “three way dance” on this blog in which I summarize three different stories into one. That’s a three way. For this, I’m commenting about the retirement of Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn, the recent crap out of H&M, and a local radio comments about “being church hurt.”

First on the dance card: The retirement of Chief Ed Flynn.

If those in Milwaukee haven’t heard: the first announcement of a retirement of 2018 has been declared that Ed Flynn is stepping down as police chief of the city. Just to think that 10 years ago this month of January, he came in as an outsider to Milwaukee in which Mayor Barrett wanted a police chief to make a difference. And yes, it wasn’t an easy search. But it paid off. Ed Flynn was sent to Milwaukee from Massachusetts at a time that the community and citizens were deeply concerned. They were concerned about out of control crime, tension, happenstance, and the ability of one word: trust. There were other concerns but to me that was a concern that many feared in Milwaukee. The crackdown on fear in the city was heavy issue to tackle. But it was faced in a new way. Ed Flynn had brought in new ideas since his first day on the job. Again, this was 10 years ago.

In the past decade, under Chief Ed Flynn in the Milwaukee Police Department:

Technology – the birth of CompStat and the Greater Milwaukee Committee with new ideas of data driven.

Crime Analyst Program

Early Intervention Program

Opioid Task Force

OMAP – Office Management Analyst and Planning

Neighborhood Task Force

Crisis intervention team

ShotSpotter

Homeless Outreach team

Implement of the Digital Radio System

Creation of the Salvation Army Chaplaincy Program

Body Camera Programs

Social Media

Town Hall Meetings with President Barack Obama and Steve Harvey

Awarded over 1600 medals of heroism

He is the 5th Police Chief since the Harold Brier Days serving longer than any of the previous predecessors behind the badge. And with the announcement of his retirement, Chief Flynn along with the 10 years of policing in Milwaukee, he has accomplished 40 years overall with Law Enforcement.

This is just a few examples of what the Milwaukee Police Department had experienced under the “Ed Flynn Era of Change”. However, there are those in Milwaukee felt that the Chief didn’t do enough to curb the violence of Milwaukee’s concern. There are those whom are going to say that oh, Chief Flynn didn’t do crap because of the corruption of certain cops harassing black people in Milwaukee. It’s a common thing, ask the activist whom are out in the funk everyday. Yes, there were hits and misses. The Chief knows this as do we. Chief Ed Flynn will remain on the desk until February 16th in which he’ll return to the east coast with his family.

Second Dance: The Mess of H&M.

Oh, let me go in on the first mess of 2018.

This story though, was so crazy. A black child on the UK version of the H&M Website is posed with a green hoodie stating the words: “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle.” We looked at that site and it was lit with hate and unfavorable examples of why racism is not just an American problem, but more of a INTERNATIONAL INCIDENT! As the story also went on, the mother of the boy (whom is black) went on the social media and act is if that it’s nothing. And oh, the words “get over it” was used. When I hear the words “Get Over It” it usually comes from White Folks on Black Folks regarding slavery. Now you have a black woman in a different country telling us black folks who see her son in a hoodie with a coded message telling us to get over it. I mean what year is this again? This maybe 2018 and we just got here on the 18 train, but the fact of the matter is that, the more things change the more things remain the same. Sorry Millennials: that is everyday life! This is like the house negro and field negro comments that Malcolm X often said. Yeah, we know what he said. The mother said also she wanted the money. Those dollar signs. When that picture again went viral, so did those whom were celebrities like Diddy whom wanted to sign the boy a modeling contract based on this matter. Remember Rachel Dolezal? Me neither. She made a picture that had a different message on it. Other folks redesigned the picture adding two crowns to signify the pride of the young boy being a future king. Now why I’m talking about this: Why is H&M is distracting us from the real issues of the world and merely our country? When we wake up in the morning, reading the news, social media, and all we talk about the news with distractions! We’ve been distracting by the news for weeks, months, years, era, generations, conflicts, etc. That’s been a problem since day one! Are we surprised by this? Yes and no. And this mother whom ever she is must realize that one day when another child comes up and puts on a shirt, pants or what ever that has some coded message per say that many will disagree with, they will talk! And again the deep discussions will reignite the reasons why. No matter if you’re in America, the UK, Africa, or ANY COUNTRY that deals with racism every day!

Final Dance on the Card: Being Church Hurt

Last week on the first Friday of the year, I listened to WNOV’s The Forum Program. And the full 3 hours of the program was about those who have been “church hurt”, or being hurt by the church. It was based on the article that some folks read (mainly younger black folks) about the reasons why they don’t attend church. And I’ll bet it came from those who haven’t been there. It also featured those whom have had history in the church ranging from bishops, ministers, and members whom have those vivid memories but mostly it was NEGATIVE! As I was listening to the program, it was coming from those who say it was a scam, the black church don’t allow the LGBT no love, and other negative factors. Oh the issue of money was conversed.

I want those being effect by this “church hurt” thing to hear me out on this. Yes, there are pastors, bishops, deacons, and many other church leaders that did things negatively on the value of money. Yes, it’s true. BUT: don’t assume that it’s all of the Churches! Not all the churches are about MONEY. Not all of the church are about kicking out the LGBT. Not all the Church are about the erasing the thought of supporting young folks. Not all churches are about hating on someone who is in need of coming in to keep warm from the freezing cold! Not all CHURCHES are the same! WAKE UP! If that were the case, I wouldn’t be in church now! I’m sorry you’ve been hurt. Church hurt. But many of you members who haven’t been to any the services in a minute, and you’re complaining, why haven’t you come forward? Ok, maybe you have been working. Raising families. Taking care of a senior person. Or sat out and did nothing. And you complain. If you complain and not attended the service, you need to go! If you are on the membership roll that haven’t been at the services, meetings, events, activities or there special outings to support or donate, then you need to retool and revise your membership! Hate to say that.

Don’t always assume that the church is ALL evil. What is evil is being put or driven by those who spoil the bunch. That is EVIL! Hell, I wouldn’t stepped into a 4th Generation family tradition that I wouldn’t be able to work, earn scholarships, utilized groups (both men and women), photograph archives, record sermons and still raised almost 28 years later! That’s right, this June will be my Church Anniversary of coming in as a full member through conformation class. That’s a joy. And that’s positive. And the Church NEEDS MORE POSITIVE OUTLOOKS! Not just hearing the music or the sermons. And also the biggest issue that many have against the church besides the money and pastor, is when we get done hearing the sermons, we go out to eat to Red Lobster or a local restaurant. Church folks got to eat too! There are 168 hours in week. The Average hours on a Sunday morning Worship Service is like what, 2 hours? So in those two hours of Church, we go to the restaurant and chow down for about 1 hour or so. And we go home. BUT THE WORSHIP WORK in the week goes on. It goes on at your job. Your community centers. Your Activities of recreation, homes, the elderly, Your Sorority, Fraternity, Veterans Groups, Peace Groups, Activism, Alumni Associations, etc. Even when you help folks to Vote! That is your Worship Work in the continuation of the Church! Think about that. If many more folks in Milwaukee who were listening to that broadcast would actually get it, they would actually get it. I know some understand.

I say this mainly to Milwaukee. After all, it was a Milwaukee Black Radio broadcast of WNOV that commented on this. We know what the host said. We know what the guests said. And we know that. But look here: it’s not perfect. Many of you go to clubs on Saturday Night, partying in all. Being catered. Which is nothing wrong at all. But also, like the church at times, there are members of the clubs whom can be hypocritical of the DJ, the clothes, the set up, the bar, the drinks, the food, the parking, and the security. Just like your jobs, groups and etc.

You don’t hear me!

We’re trying. We know it’s hard. After all, being a Christian or a every Sunday church person is not just happenstance. It’s a hard job. Period. But with God’s grace, we’re up for the challenge.

I had to set back for a few days listening to all the hoopla about the use of the NFL with ratings going down, folks burning jerseys and merchandise. And cancelling the DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket or any NFL whatever all because many of you (you as in overly patriotic) being butt hurt about all the kneeling in protest of what Colin Kaepernick started with the protest last year. And also, a lot of you are just mad all because of a flag. Or in essence with the National Anthem being referenced with that third stanza featuring no refuge for a slave. Ok. But the fact of the matter is, many will watch football and be aware about the issues that continues to plague the nation and our lives every single day. And of course I’m one of them.

Now for those whom are black and love my blog: don’t get mad a me saying that I will watch my favorite team, the Green Bay Packers for the rest of the season no matter what and still be concerned about the ongoing concerns about black men and women getting killed unceremoniously by the badge of the police, or any other form of racism that plagues America. Now many probably asked, “You boycotting the NFL?!” “No I’m boycotting the devil!” The devils need to be boycotted everytime when you get up in the morning, wash up, clothes and shoes on, breakfast, off the school or work, taking breaks, going to classes, lunch, more work and classes, going back home, chilling, doing homework, cook dinner, get your TV show up, and going to bed and do the same routine the next day. And while all that is going on: THE DEVIL still walks! That’s what I see in this protest and hating on the flag and anthem.

When I was listening to my black radio station, WNOV in Milwaukee, there a spot in the broadcast about the Anthem with the third stanza of the slave lyric. Part of that what was summarized that many didn’t know was the meaning behind the lyric was dealing with the disdain out of Francis Scott Key being upstaged by black power! You conscious black folks waving the Red Black and Green NEED to pay attention! Of course you can think all you want, but there is always another side of the lyric that probably fueled anger out of feelings of being upstaged. That to me was behind that third stanza! Other black folks didn’t hear this angle. If you lead the NewsOne News on cable or satellite, you will keep missing the boat alot. Why? Because you didn’t research it.

Now what is it about that FLAG? The red, white and blue. The same Red White & Blue that many have on our houses, walls and folded in a triangle from a committal service. And also the same flag that was carried during the Civil Rights era when Martin Luther King was still alive. And the same flag that our ancestors whom fought in wars with the time of discrimination. It’s been said when the Delany sisters used to say: “We loved our country, even though it didn’t love us back.” Again, does that sound familiar? I’m going to say that even though that the flag maybe is “this problem”, but it’s not THE problem! It’s really how the flag was used to distract negatively or dismiss any thought of any so-called thing of getting over a thing like racism or being oppressed. The flag is not in my view, a symbol of oppression. But nooses are. Calling a black person the N word or displaying the word on a person or house is a symbol of oppression. Discriminating a person based on their sex, background, church viewpoints, financial or economic status, or being not with the cause and being called a sellout just because you come from a family that is all that with work and you’re not – SYMBOL OF OPPRESSION! I’m going there today!

For anyone who is pro-black: look it’s fine to be pro-black. In really its great to be pro-black to reflect, summarize and also recognize our ethnicity. But it is also NOT to say that if you’re pro-black you are a racist. Also sometimes, when we in our pro-blackness, we may run into problems and concerns of what we say and do. I’m not talking about the slogans, fists, clothing, headwraps, the full Red Black and Green in all. Recognizing the quotes of Malcolm X and countless others that remind us about the struggle in all. We do it everyday. HOWEVER we got to get the stories right! We got to get the words RIGHT! We got to get the training RIGHT! People will say many things, but here’s what I know: You got your side, you got their side and in the middle: THE TRUTH. And I’ll go further with Black Lives Matter that the movement is NOT RACIST! Just because I see or say or display Black Lives Matter, I’m not advocating racism. I’m advocating concerns about the news that doesn’t get much exposure that normal news doesn’t show. Bad cops doing bad shootings on African Americans. HR doing a disservice on applicants of color MAINLY BLACKS. I know because I went through it 7 years ago being dissed by Dresser Waukesha due to my skin color. True story. I’m advocating about black news stories that get covered up and doesn’t get shown like MSNBC or CNN. I’m using this as an example. And black folks, many are saying that we’re not patriotic. Oh yes we are. In a sense, we are patriotic in our own way based on labor, activism, and many others. Either you wave the Red Black and Green or Red White and Blue, it’s really in your heart! Not what you wore last night! You probably thought about the men and women who wear the uniform or Veterans that wore the uniform. If you wear a simple shirt and pants and basketball shoes volunteering for a shelter or advocating a job opportunity, voting, health concerns and ideas, banking, making a statement of opinion (as we know) or giving back to your Alma Mater that you loved so much, guess what? Part of that is Patriotism! It’s a belief. It’s a goal. It’s a purpose we seek. POSITIVELY! Not being forced!

Last year when our “Russian friends” were looking at our elections for a new President, many felt that Social Media was the harm in which fake accounts or pictures or stories were used inappropriately to divide and conquer. And also to continue to scare and spill the blood about our politics that portions of it is very stupid! And we see this mess spilled in our backyards! Lot of you are saying, “Why are you saying all of this? We know this already” Many of us DON’T KNOW! We don’t pay attention. We miss the boat on this so much. But the fact of matter is some are going to this blog or any other story that will get the info and many will ask, why wasn’t I told about this? Uh-huh, just like the things you missed in Church.

In regarding the NFL, and the issues being spilled like blood this is a mess. And it will take alot of us (ALOT OF US) to clean it up!

I have to address this concern. Crazy Drivers. The type of driver that cut infront of you in the city. Always weaving in and out. Always seeing that one vehicle that starts at the traffic light being the car is on the right and pulling ahead after the green light shows up. They are just being inconsiderate of the traffic laws and not giving no one the respect on the road!

And some of that, leads to accidents!

On Facebook, of my newspaper columnist for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel posted pictures on the site that dealt with one vehicle having an accident. And the vehicle was tipped on its side. It was so crazy that the vehicle was infront of one of my connectional UMC churches here in the city. In summary these crazy drivers in all, they are winning. I repeat: THEY ARE WINNING. They are winning because not just because they are young and stupid, they are winning because there are not enough speed traps or police that can actually spot them and track them down with tickets. I had a incident when myself and my mother were going north to our dentist and this one car, a Buick with a AAA Wisconsin Licence Plate gave me the finger twice because I used my horn on him twice for cutting infront of me on purpose. And it was a black male driver. Not only he got away but he was weaving back and forth in between lanes going the same direction. YOUNG AND STUPID!

I also seen drivers whom are always on the right side of the lanes, crossing over to the left middle lane cutting infront of the drivers. Again, these are young black male drivers who don’t have no FORMAL DRIVERS TRANING out of respect and just coming up with their own rules and no respect for seasoned drivers whom like me are real people and have families and friends. Do these fools know this? Nope.

I’ll bet that many are asking, are drivers like this all the time in Milwaukee? My question is are there are young drivers whom are all stupid to not obey the traffic laws and get away with murder without insurance? Hmmmm…..And it doesn’t matter where you live in this country. Knowing that is not about young black drivers who disrespect the traffic laws. Other folks do it also and they get away with this crap like it’s a game. This is not a game folks. You want to drive crazy, go get or play Need For Speed or Grand Theft Auto for all I care. Those are games. Out on the street: NO GAME!

Other that that, don’t be surprised if any of the vehicles get those cameras that record every driving date that comes up. And it’s legal. When they come up, guess what’s going to happen? Either their DL’s will be removed or they have to give up driving their parents’ cars. And if you parents have young drivers who drive and cut infront of drivers in traffic, you WILL BE RESPONSIBLE! Simply because, they are driving your cars! Be responsible adults and take the keys from them.

Time to break out the cellphone cameras, dash cameras and take the photos and send them to the Police. Enough playing around.

I did this last year in Black History Month. And it’s back again. So yep, it’s time to scratch the noggin and actually boil the questions. Oh yes, we know we’re in the era of that dude named Trump, and many of us might loose our minds. So now I ask, what’s next for the future of Black History Month? And many of us have been spoiled that it’s supposed to be everyday, but hardly: we black folks DON’T acknowledge our history EVERYDAY! WE DON’T. Yeah, we can do this after March and get all charged up, but might ask where was the energy during February? Hmm……It’s the same ole thing we encounter every time.

Are we still believing this statement? Be honest.

Why are those saying that it’s “National African-American History Month”, than “Black History Month?” Black History Month is now global, not just for the United States.

Is the whole thing about the 45th President saying that the word “black” is outdated true? Last I checked: BLACK is BLACK!

Someone stop me: when we black folks say we celebrate our people everyday or I’m black everyday, are we meaning this or just saying to get the monkeys off the back? Just be honest!

Someone stop me again: are we really teaching our children more about black history everyday? Be honest.

I asked this last year many times: Have you missed Obama?

Is Donald Trump really supporting black folks? Or should I say, those whom are on his side are black?

When was the last time that many took their kids to see a tomb of a famous African-American Figure than to see a pair of Air Jordans at the mall?

When was the last time that many saw a famous African-American figure that was still dropping knowledge and took the kids?

How many more of the New England Patriots whom are black will not attend the White House?

Dang MSNBC! Why did you kicked off Tamron Hall?!

Is it just me, or is America wants to be driven by those in office whom do not have experience or just being dumb?

You do know that 2017 is a voting year, right?

Is the black media still on point?

I’m surprised that many in America didn’t know who James White was after the Patriots won the Super Bowl. Um, did anyone checked the Wisconsin Badgers for Reference?

How hard will “The Quad” on BET will go?

Is it just me, or what has gotten into BET with the added cussing in movies?

Had everyone seen Hidden Figures? Not Hidden Colors. HIDDEN FIGURES!

Should AFROPUNK make a Milwaukee Visit? Take my money.

When will President Obama release his memoir? If that happens TAKE MY MONEY!

Black Businesses: are you holding up well?

Was Maxwell out of bounds for his remarks about including whites for Black History Month?

Did The New Edition Story on BET really sparked new ideas for biopics?

Should all of the black Alumni of High Schools or Colleges rock dashikis for Black History Month? Primarily with the school colors we know?

Who still reads books? Mainly African-American Novels?

For my Black Introverts, are we good? Are we are still holding up to resist?

This year in Music Anniversaries: 30 years of Jody Watley’s Real Love, Whitney Houston’s I wanna dance with somebody under the self titled Album, Whitney. Kool Moe Dee’s How You Like Me Now made the cut, NWA and the Posse made it’s debut by the group itself. Even Michael Jackson’s Bad was good.

25 years of R.Kelly & The Public Announcement’s She’s Got That Vibe and Honey Love. Sir Mix-A-Lot’s Baby Got Back. EnVogue’s Funky Divas of Free Your Mind, Giving Him Something He Can Feel, My Lovin’and Give it up Turn it loose. Mary J. Blige’s What the 411? Whitney Houston and The Bodyguard Soundtrack. Boyz II Men (ALL FOUR OF THEM) serenade the women with the single, End of the Road. Also, Prince with the Love Symbol Album premiered, and Bobby Brown had the joint Bobby out with Humpin’ Around as a hot single. Just to name a few.

20 years of Missy Elliott’s Supa Dupa Fly, Puff Daddy and Family’s No Way Out, Aaliyah had The One I gave my heart to and Hot Like Fire, Timbaland/Magoo debuted Welcome to our World, Will Smith was back with Big Willie Style, The Notorious BIG’s last album before his death: Life after Death, and Michael Jackson had the album out called “Blood on the Dance Floor.” Just to name a few.

15 years ago: Ashanti and Tweet both debuted with their albums, Musiq Soulchild had “Juslisen”, Meshell Ndegeocello had the album, Cookie: The Anthropological Mixtape. Plus Donell Jones had the joint Life Goes On, Will Smith was Born to Reign, Nelly had the joint Nellyville, Sean Paul had the Dutty Rock thing going, LL Cool J: 10, Deborah Cox (one of my favorite black Canadian exports) had the album out called The Morning After, and Missy Elliott took us back in time with old school hip hop beats in Under Construction. Just to name a few.

And 10 years of Angie Stone’s The Art of War. Plus Timbaland took us a Shock Value favor with Keri Hilson singing hooks. What music are you celebrating….IN BLACK HISTORY MONTH?

This year in Movie Anniversaries: 10 years of I am Legend, Why Did I Get Married? and Black Snake Moan. 20 years of Men in Black, Soul Food, and Amistad. 25 years of Class Act, Mo’ Money, Bebe’s Kids, Diggstown, Malcolm X, and Trespass. 30 years of Beverly Hills Cop II, Leonard Part 6, Sign ‘o’ The Times, and Shaka Zulu. What flicks are you celebrating….IN BLACK HISTORY MONTH?

This year in TV Shows that are Anniversary material: Martin. 25 years since WZUP, Martin Love the kids, get the steppin’, and many of the quotes that we know it like that. Also, Living Single debuted in the same year also of 1992. Plus, The Cosby Show ended the 8 year reign the same year. Easy question: What shows are you celebrating in Black History Month?

Is Tyler Perry’s The Haves and The Have Nots show still rolling with new ideas?

I’m not easily fooled by this notion of blacks not referencing the ideals that Africans were sold by their own and America ate up the idea of slavery commodity. Wanna know why? (Hint: Part of it is the truth whether we like it or not.)

When will all schools acknowledge Black History? Not just in the cities.

When all those who hate the idea of Black History Month actually stop hating?!

When will all those who don’t like the thought of having a Black History Month actually read what Dr. Carter Woodson wrote about the miseducation portion of us not knowing our history?

And yet again, how will all of this be worthy for our children, especially our black children that need to know this? Not just in school, but in the homes, and certainly in other areas like the church and community centers?

I learned black history in the house, school, and church!

So, Happy Black History Month! or #HapppyBHM2017 whatever many prefer.

For this: it’s once again that my centerpiece is set for Black History Month. No millennials, not black futures month, or a thing being conscious month. Black History Month is back again being 91 years old, and yes there many of us who think we know everything that is Black History. Or do we?

Like many years before, there are spoiler alerts: Stop me if you heard this one:

“I celebrate my people everyday.”

Or: “Every month is Black History Month.”

Or: “Black History Month begins January 1st and ends December 31st”.

Or: “I’m Black Everyday.”

Oh really? Hear me out.

How many of us in the black communities and classrooms, homes and churches and many others (including Social Media) do actually believe that when we say that, it’s almost we’re lying to ourselves?

Think about it. Years back on this blog again, I ask this same question:

What (in the H.E. Double Hockey Sticks) do we do everyday?

We are at work, school, in line to buy that new gadget, that line of weave, that line of new Jordans, that latest new single by J. Cole or a underrated rock band, or the list goes on and on! And the thing is, the age range is not a factor. You mean to tell me we can list all the sports records in Football and how the Atlanta Falcons CHOKED in the 51st SuperBowl(after beating Green Bay Twice), but can’t recite the reasons why black players couldn’t make the roster because of skin color? Or many of us love guns/militarism. Why wasn’t the US Military at the time had black servicemen who did their job for their country, but never got love for the country they served for?

I want to jump back to the quote of “celebrating our people everyday” and such.

If we really celebrate our people everyday, where are those who have NOT BEEN CELEBRATED?! Where are they at? How many of us who bleed that quote of celebrating us everyday never gave the flowers to those whom always been hidden every single time. It’s always the front runners, the lead dogs, those that got the first divas for being out more than those that didn’t get one trophy for the hard work. And they have been grinding! What about those whom you got on your Social Media lists that has all those boat loaded accomplishments that you read about, but have this so-called opinion of them being so radical with actions or whatever and you don’t say nothing to be appreciative? Some of you may know where I’m going with this! But here’s the kicker. Many of us don’t hardly acknowledge it as much, while still being ALIVE!

5 years ago in February, Whitney Houston’s Funeral was taking place. And one of her former Bodyguards said something about giving flowers to those whom are living. That’s real talk. Every black man, and of course every black woman should be given their flowers RIGHT NOW for not only the appreciation of work, or a birthday, an anniversary, or being a good citizen or family member or friend, but still around.

CALLOUT: Especially us Black Males need that too!

Many of us give flowers at a time of funerals. But that person lying in a casket or ashes in urns never got the chance to smell the roses while living. We need to recognize and check ourselves that yes, life is short. Anyone of us could be taken out for selfish or health reasons of anytime. That’s also real talk!

And about the phrase: “I’m black everyday or every month.”

Well duh! Of course many of us in the black community are black everyday! And I hope it’s not a diss towards Black History Month. I’ll admit that yes we got this pride of being a proud black man or a proud black woman. We got pride of recognizing our culture, our objectives, our purpose and our existence. We know.

However: I have to stress this, there are those of us whom are NOT proud of our heritage! Inner hate. Being ashamed. Being disregarded of not acknowledging the thought of having a prideful positive outlook of being black overall. Stop me if you have heard this before.

When black folks say “I’m black everyday”, I say: of course! And I dare say: what else?

Are you black everyday and helping out your community?

Are you black everyday and give back to your Alumni?

Are you black everyday and providing a value of support in your families, churches, fraternities, sororities, neighborhoods, and your place of employment?

Are you black everyday and giving back overall of the work after you somewhat post on Facebook, and other social media outlet?

Are you black everyday and not dissing or shaming the culture that many of us made fun of when we were younger?

Are you black everyday that after you have all those meetings and actually go over and review of what happened and how to make it better for the merrier?

Are you black everyday (talking to the men) whom don’t do the domestic violence thing, or dissing the health needs, dissing the black women in a ego sense, or financial concerns?

Are you black everyday, (talking to the women) who don’t diss all black men whom you think that they are dogs, ain’t all that like some thug, not being appreciated or loved, supportive, or not very extroverted like many of you, or who assumes that he has to make the same amount of cash, or whatever like many of you? As well as not dissing your needs of medical or finance?

Are we black everyday, and not hating on our educational values?

Are we black everyday and not hating on each other for clothes, money, what you don’t have, when forcing someone to speak, a certain game console, shoes, gadgets, food supply, or anything that is not worthy of being jealous?

Are we black everyday and fighting against racism, the gangs, prostitution, etc?

Are we black everyday and do the Christian or religious related thing to things that matter and thinking it straight?

Are we black everyday and having a goal to have a better value of our history and future?

Are we black everyday and vote in every Election? Should have thought about that in November.

Are we black everyday like we supposed to be black everyday ? Just asking.

MASSIVE CALLOUT: We need to be real!

Oh and white folks: look, don’t ask the same tired question about when is a “White History Month” going to happen. Clearly you guys got every month locked in on the freaking calendar. Stop playing with yourselves!

Later on before the month is out, I’ll be doing a review of what was I think stood out in #BHM2017.

But for now: My #BHM2017 centerpiece is displayed on the table while staying in the struggle.

It’s the same show that has Anthony Anderson on point. Talking about the use of the N-Word, Pops being afraid to go to doctors, Nepotism, the truth behind the use of black lives, as in Black Lives Matter, and many other issues and concerns and a comedic side when it comes to African-Americans.

But this episode called “Lemons” which had the family and company talking about the election, and the win of Donald Trump: Folks If you HAVE NOT watched this show, it was so powerful! It needed to be said and viewed upon no reason. And oh, this is the same Black-ish show that Donald Trump talked smacked about being racist in all two and half years ago. For all those whom are Trump supporters or even Trump himself, just to clarify: Black-ish is not racist at all. Stop playing!

The highlights of the show, was centered at Dre’s job where most of the conversation was centered around the election. And of course the one half of the highlight was the character Lucy voted for Obama twice, but swung her recent vote to Trump. She expressed that she wanted a female president to run the country, but not her. Her as in Hillary Clinton. And the later reaction of the assumption of her being racist for her vote and have black friends resonated in a rebuttal of her chosen vote.

But the MAIN Meat of the second half was Dre’s viewpoint of America. These words as if not been repeated is this:

‘I love this country—even though, at times, it doesn’t love me back.’

Those words alone. I’ll bet many in my culture of African-Americans have probably been saying for years! Generations. Eras. Take notes, white folks. And the thing is yes, like Dre said, we’ve played ball. We continued to work in all. And the part Dre saying that even though he’s not shocked that Hillary didn’t win, or Trump got his upset win, the same situation didn’t change when it came to the state of Black America. And the thought that at times the way things go, not always the case when it comes to black folks. And the music of Strange Fruit was playing in the background.

Thinking back: those words of again, ‘I love this country—even though, at times, it doesn’t love me back.’ This reminds me of a quote by two black women whom said a similar quote. Research the Delany Sisters, Bessie and Sadie. And this quote:

“We love our country, even though it didn’t love us back.”

Does that sound familiar?

It should! Many of us in the Black Community probably again have been saying that for years.

Now this whole thing about Black-ish being all about racist out of the mouth of our soon-to-be President is flat out ridiculous. Probably he’ll never watch another show of it because of the dialogue he thinks it doesn’t resonate with him. Clearly it doesn’t. What does resonate that the ongoing saga of this country’s DNA of racism will still be examined.

Now keep in mind that Blackish is not The Cosby Show. Not Family Matters or Fresh Prince. Nor any other show like Good Times. Blackish is in its league of its own and like many of the shows before it, the issues of black concerns are still relevant today! Did I mention that Tracee Ellis-Ross won a Golden Globes Award for the show? Like 44 years after her famous mom Diana Ross won hers?

And even if you have a incoming President like Donald Trump talking smack about John Lewis about all talk and no action. Well we know the real resume of John Lewis is not as tainted like a soon to be 45th President.

First I want to have a question here. What does it take to be conscious? Really conscious? Black conscious? It seems that in today’s era of #blackmalebrillance or #blackgirlmagic that is going around alot. Really alot. However the use of being conscious in my view is a good thing at times, but it can be deadly poison if used inappropriately.

Check this out: I’m on the net last week, and I typed in the word Hotep. If those don’t know what that means, it means “at peace”. Really it does. If the word hotep means at peace, why there are those that abuse the word and getting away with bloody murder? Everytime I go on to Facebook, or Instagram, it’s all these memes that are mostly negative and abusive without any references of information given! And usually I hate to say, really involves black folks. Not all, but a inner circle like that well known. It’s well known that there is all these “truth tellers” that abuse their”conscious” outlooks on those they reach to, and it’s almost they try to draw in to please folks. Almost like they want a certain type of folks to be on their same team of sticking together.

This reminds me of two episodes of the Fresh Prince Of Bel Air back in 1992 and 1993. From the 1992 show, entitled “Those were the days” had an point in the show where the character Marge telling Uncle Phil and the Original Aunt Viv about system doesn’t work, and blowing it down. And later commenting about forgetting that issue. Later on, Uncle Phil had to remind Marge that he was the same person that faced dogs and firehoses, Harlem going up in flames. He also indicated that he didn’t need to fight in the streets. He used his office to fight from. Ranging from Heathcare, Decent Housing and many others. So there was proof that the “liberation” or in this case the radicalized portion of him still lived in him. Even thought that the times changed since.

The next show in 1993: This time it’s Will and Carlton joining up in a Black Fraternity on Campus. What was that Frat? Phi Beta Gamma. And had the Pledge Leader Top Dog making them and others doing the dirty work. The real climax of the show, came when the word got in that Will got in to the fraternity, but Carlton didn’t.

The reason: Top Dog viewed Carlton as a sellout. You all know the episode scene. Here it is:

So after looking at that, I ask the question: Conscious much? Even that could be a fact of what goes on today. Matter of fact it does. There wasn’t a Hotep moment on this. And I ask again, if Hotep means at peace, why the abuse of the word hotep anyway? If many had understood the reasons why then many shouldn’t get an attitude about it anyway. I’m pro for those who speak their mind in all, BUT many need to know that you have to control it!

Which leads me to this: Happy Birthday, America. All of the 240 years. We know, we know. The same traditional hoiliday got the folks dressing up in the Red, White and Blue, going to the fireworks, kicking back with brats, beer, games, bells, canons, and whistles. And taking the day off to be at the movies, or at the crib. We know right?

And also: Malia Obama turned 18 years old. With being the last 4th for President Obama. And with Kendrick Lamar and Janelle Monae.

And yes, the proverbial of the question is this: Should African-Americans celebrate the Fourth? Before answering, there was a time when black folks didn’t celebrate this day due to the fact, slavery was in session. And probably you had this on your Facebook TimeLine: FOURTH OF YOU LIE! Why this you ask? The use of slavery was still in effect in the era of our Compatriots was still in battle against England and King George during the Revolutionary War. And I’ll bet the RBG, Hardcore Black Conscious folks and some Bandwagon Conscious folks had to go in on the Fourth like it was third period French class. But here was the kicker, there were black folks celebrating the fourth yesterday in partaking in the festivities and or cooking up the food in the yards. I read somewhere on Facebook this morning about this black dude in disgust about a black woman wearing a dress that almost resembled an American Flag. I read that and I’m like REALLY?! The commenter who posted that on Facebook actually is upset about a black woman wearing a dress that is Stars and Stripes like. You know what, I’ve seen black men wearing Flag shirts and grill outside of their homes. I’ve seen black workers who had on little make up in Red, White and Blue in freaking Walgreens! Oh check this: I’ve seen a black woman on a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle the stars shirt on in Milwaukee. So my question is what is the haps?!

And having to ask the question, “what are you celebrating?”

CALLOUT: For those asking, let me ask those questioning: What are YOU celebrating? And no, it’s not July 4th related.

So that means that black folks can’t wear flag shirts?

Who is really speaking up for black folks that they can’t wear a certain attire that doesn’t equality with black unity? Let me say this: I freaking hate sagging pants! I hate this control of what I can’t wear or here is my favorite of which style of education is best to go like Distance Education. For example, there were both black and white folks against me and attacked me because I didn’t use the traditional route of going to class. And this thought of me leaving Milwaukee and all this mess. But I still graduated anyway 10 years ago from UW-Stout. Hmmm….. where is the Black Conscious Unity on that? Where was that yesterday on Facebook while those flooding the News Feeds of the disdain about a holiday that had no regards to include black slaves?!

Of course I know why some of us say “FOURTH OF YOU LIE!” Along with the racism, police brutality and segregation of the country.

So they are telling me that I suppose to celebrate everything black only? In a radical, revolutionary and unapologetically manner? I need those to hear me out on this. Specifically if those use “communications”. Seriously, do I supposed to celebrate lets say, Juneteenth over Independence Day only? Is that what this is? How would those say that about Juneteenth Day as being “FalseTeenth Day” or “Blacks Making a Fool on June 19th Day?” Oh, folks would be upset right? I think it should.

This is not a mockery of Juneteeth nor a mockery of Independence Day. Both holidays are different and apart by 89 years. But in this sense: I celebrate them both. One of my late relatives’ birthday is on Juneteenth Day. Not fronting on this! Ever year the flags go out in celebration of the holidays in the Summer months and that’s just fine by me. And plus the decorations go out as well. The reason I celebrate the Fourth, is not because of a dare. It’s like a choice appreciation of my services in community. So far I serve in the community for Alumni, Church, and Scholarship for Higher Education. And while we’re at it, lets don’t pretend that this doesn’t make sense because it does! I looked at some of the footages of the Fourth of July Parades in the Milwaukee Area, and I’ve seen a whole lot of white folks pack the parade routes. But I saw also a Sherman Park Parade that had a black woman leading it with marchers, a band, and a short escort with Milwaukee Police Presence in the neighborhood. Recently, the Sherman Park Area was hit with an act of violence prior to the Fourth. But as like anything else there was some life given though in that area. And currently it’s still trying to heal from the previous occurrence.

Whether folks like it or not, there will be blacks that will celebrate the fourth in some sort of way almost like wearing a suit to church or work. But there will be those that don’t. Ok understood. The same with the decorations. Flying the flags, displaying the buntings, hooking up a Star Shower Patriot Laser Light outdoors at night. And the same won’t do any displays that will have an ugly truth. I will agree that there is good and bad in everything.Even with Juneteenth and the 4th.

One last thought about this, yes it’s been about 154 years since Frederick Douglass written “What is the slave mean to the Fourth of July?” And it was addressed to those at the time whom were apart of the Anti-Slavery Movements and yes he did questioned about the day celebrating America’s Independence, while still stomping his viewpoint about those whom were in bondage.Thats like saying “why do you continue to celebrate freedom for this day, and you don’t include my black people?!” Henceforth: Fourth of You Lie, right? Later on figures like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X all said the same thing in various forms! King summarized “Be true what you say on paper”.

Even President Obama highlighted his commentary on the Fourth:

How incredible – how incredibly lucky we are that people, generations ago, were willing to take up arms and fight for our freedom. And then people, inside this country, understanding that there were imperfections in our union and were willing to keep on fighting on behalf of extending that freedom to all people and not just some.

And the key words was: “There were imperfections in our union” Meaning that America had and has blemishes in it’s 240 year streak. So there were and are faults. Even today as I write this blog yet again.

Makes sense for most, but in the words of a former WWE Wrestler Bad News Barrett: I’m afraid I got some bad news!

For the ultra conscious folks and this period of making folks not celebrate any holiday: You cannot please folks all the time. I’m sorry to say it. There might be those who will celebrate things that aren’t likeable of others. There will be those who will celebrate things that are likeable. There will be those who will celebrate things that are like minded. And others. Even if a person who does dresses like Lady Liberty or Wonder Woman and is a black woman on America’s Birthday! And also does know about the bondage of black slaves that were not celebrating the 4th like everyone else. The same with a black man wearing a Old Navy Flag Shirt, having a plan to decorate the house in all red, white, and blue, and is reminded that the struggle continues as a black man in America. Race included.

So with being said, all stories should be told. And let me end by saying this: